Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has issued fines to 41 unlicensed street photographers operating in the KLCC area as part of an enforcement operation over the weekend.
The operation, codenamed “Op Lens”, was carried out with support from the police, immigration, national registration department, and federal territories department, targeting unlicensed individuals offering paid photography services in public spaces.
DBKL said public spaces were shared property and must be used ethically, in an orderly manner, and in compliance with regulations.
“Unauthorised photography services are not only illegal but also pose safety risks to visitors,” it said in a Facebook post.
“Some of these activities take place on roads or pedestrian walkways, endangering both photographers and clients, and disrupting public movement.”
DBKL also warned that repeat offenders risked having their equipment confiscated. It said enforcement would continue to ensure that public areas remain orderly and safe.
The crackdown follows mounting complaints on social media from visitors who said they were misled or harassed by self-styled “photographers” offering low-cost services that escalated into disputes.
According to media reports, the photographers were fined RM2,000 each.
